Active lingual retainer

It is believed that, because dental arch length decreases and lower anterior crowding increases throughout life, the only way to maintain ideal alignment after orthodontic treatment is by means of some form of permanent retention. Bonded lingual retainers are often placed after fixed orthodontic treatment and can serve in-mouth for decades.1

Accidental breakage of the bonded lingual retainer may be encountered during the post retention phase of the orthodontic treatment and failure to get this repaired may lead to relapse of anterior crowding, which may need removable appliances or a tooth positioner for realignment.

The replacement of the permanent bonded retainer will be needed after the alignment.

With technological advances in archwires, there are many creative new ways to treat classic orthodontic problems.2 The authors used a simple technique to correct minor crowding that developed as a result of relapse with the help of a bonded lingual retainer made with 0.014” Nickel Titanium archwire.